New NSW Nationals leader takes over following shock resignation

The phrase ‘a week is a long time in politics’ reflects the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of political life. In what’s been described as a ‘shock resignation’ on Monday, Dugald Saunders stepped down from his role as leader of the NSW Nationals.

On Tuesday, Coffs Harbour MP and former blueberry farmer Gurmesh Singh was elected unopposed as the leader of the NSW National party, less than 24 hours after Mr Saunders’ sudden resignation.

“It is an honour to be elected by my peers to lead the NSW Nationals, alongside deputy leader Kevin Anderson,” said Mr Singh in a media statement.

“Sarah Mitchell will continue to serve in the NSW Nationals leadership team as our leader in the Upper House. Our team will continue to represent regional NSW to the very best of our abilities. I thank Dugald Saunders for his leadership and guidance over the past two and a half years. The wellbeing of regional communities is at the heart of everything we do, and I thank my party room colleagues for affording me the opportunity to continue the great work of the Nationals across NSW,” concluded Mr Singh.

Mr Singh attended university in Sydney and had a career in advertising and software before returning to work on the family’s farm in Woolgoolga growing macadamias and blueberries and has been the Member for Coffs Harbour since 2019.

Previously, he served as the opposition spokesperson for regional health and emergency services, and the North Coast.

The Courier readers would be familiar with Mr Singh who rallied with ‘Save Wee Waa Hospital’ campaigners, collecting petition signatures in Sydney earlier this year.

The new Nats leadership team raised concerns about Wee Waa hospital in question time on Tuesday.

It’s understood Mr Singh is the first farmer to lead the NSW Nationals in more than three decades. Mr Singh also made history as the first person of Sikh (Punjabi) heritage to lead a major Australian political party.

The fourth-generation Australian farmer, whose great-grandfather moved from India 130 years ago, emphasised “I never see myself as anything but Aussie,” Mr Singh said on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Monday, Dugald Saunders said, “For the past two and a half years, I have had the privilege of leading the NSW Nationals – today I am stepping down from that position.

“It’s been an honour to lead the Parliamentary team during a challenging time in Opposition, and I’ve always done my best to represent regional NSW.

“It’s a difficult decision, but it is the right time for me to take a step back and focus more on my family and myself. It’s also the right time to allow a new leader to take up the fight ahead of the next election. I thank my family, my staff, my team and the party, for all of their support.